Vineland teen scores silver, interest at national contest

Jun. 29, 2011

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Josue Feliciano, 17, a Vineland High School Class of 2011 graduate, missed commencement exercises, but won second place at the 47th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Mo., for his welding. / Staff photo/Cody Glenn

Josue Feliciano, 17, flanked by proud parents Migdalia (left) and Noel, skipped his Vineland High School Class of 2011 commencement in order to travel to Kansas City, Mo., to attend the National Leadership and Skills Conference, where he won second place. / Staff photos/Cody Glenn

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VINELAND -- Josue Feliciano is used to the brilliant sparks spilling from the end of his welder's torch.

But the two-time New Jersey welding champion found himself basking in a different kind of glow last week. He stepped into the spotlight to collect the silver medal at the 47th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Mo., for the SkillsUSA welding sculpture competition.

Feliciano, the son of Noel and Migdalia Feliciano, also won some scholarship cash, as well as the attention of businesses nationwide, including a few who stepped forward with job offers.

The contest is aimed at assessing the ability of competitors to design and produce a sculpture. They also must present a written and oral presentation regarding all aspects of the creation of their art piece.

The 17-year-old Vineland High School student won his way into the national competition by securing top honors in the New Jersey competition with his sculpture of an American flag proudly waving atop a crane parked alongside a bridge. Feliciano hand-drafted the blueprints and then handcrafted the artwork with stainless steel supplies ordered from a scrap metal site he found online.

He achieved a perfect 1,000-point score, which is a rarity, according Louis Bramante, the VHS Automotive Technology instructor and SkillsUSA adviser.

Feliciano's achievement didn't come without sacrifice.

Feliciano passed on going to prom to save money to go to the national competition, said his mother. The 12-member SkillsUSA club also fundraised to cover the costs.

When his classmates walked into Gittone Stadium to collect their diplomas, Feliciano was headed to Kansas City for the weeklong competition.

"I can get my diploma anytime," Feliciano said. "Nationals was a one-time shot. I could make connections that could last a lifetime."

Where his parents didn't get to see their son at graduation, they did watch him win second-place honors, tapping into a live-stream of the event on their computer. They cheered when his name was called and watched their very reserved son pump his arms victoriously in the air.

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Feliciano will start Ohio Technical School in two weeks with a goal to earn as many certifications as he can to broaden his career options. He's even pursuing a deep-water welding course.

His tuition will be covered by the $27,000 in prize money he's amassed during the past two years.

Migdalia Feliciano is not surprised, noting her youngest child always has been very serious and very driven.

When other children wanted to see how fast their toy cars would go, Feliciano would take them apart and put them back together.

Initially, Feliciano said he planned to study culinary arts during his junior and senior year, split between VHS and the Cumberland County Technical Education Center. But he changed his specialty when welding offered a more promising future.

Welding is not his passion, Feliciano said, noting it's the way of getting to what makes him the happiest. One day, he said, he'd like to own a network of businesses. He is already on his way, operating his own landscaping operation.

Down the road, Feliciano said he wants a farm and restaurant.

He joked that he has so many interests the restaurant will have to feature a buffet.

Feliciano will be able to continue to compete at the college-level if his college has a SkillsUSA chapter. If the college doesn't have one, Bramante said, Feliciano could start one, especially with his affinity for putting things together.

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